Connecticut House approves drivers licenses for immigrants

Connecticut's House of Representatives approved a bill Thursday morning that would allow immigrants to obtain driver's licenses regardless of their legal status.

The Bulletin

Writer

Posted May. 23, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated May 23, 2013 at 11:15 PM

Posted May. 23, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated May 23, 2013 at 11:15 PM

HARTFORD, Conn.

Connecticut's House of Representatives approved a bill Thursday morning that would allow immigrants to obtain driver's licenses regardless of their legal status.

The bill passed on a 74-55 vote after an overnight debate that lasted more than seven hours.

House Speaker Brendan Sharkey said the legislation would lead to fewer untrained and unregistered drivers, reduce insurance rates and help the economy.

"We are talking about people who contribute to our communities and our economy every day," he said in a statement. "They are our neighbors, our fellow taxpayers, and our friends."

Under the legislation, immigrants would be able to obtain driver's licenses beginning January 2015. Applicants would be able to use documentation from their country of origin to prove their identity and would need to provide documentation showing they have lived in the state for at least 90 days. They must also pass a driving test and a background check verifying they have no felony convictions in the state.

The licenses would be marked "for driving purposes only" and would need to be renewed every three years rather than the standard six years.

Opponents argued the legislation could encourage immigrants to enter the state illegally and could lead to abuses in voting.

House Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero Jr., R-Norwalk, said he was not satisfied with proposed safeguards and the lack of information regarding the costs and implications of implementing the initiative.

Republicans pushed for further studies of the issue, but Cafero said their suggestions were ignored by Democrats who held closed-door discussions on the bill.

"What better tribute, if you will, to the end result can we have to make an informed decision as a body?" he said. "But instead, we're playing politics once again."

The bill now heads to the state Senate, which has until June 5 to take further action.